Thermal and compression test fixture

Abstract

A test fixture is provided for containing a pair of test samples (i.e., sample pair) that contact each other along an interface. The fixture receives exposure to laser emission for radiative heating while providing compression to the sample pair. The text fixture includes a housing, an isolation container, and a compressor. The housing has an axial cavity with annular cross-sections including an internal helical thread portion and a window for receiving the laser emission. The isolation container receives the sample pair. The container inserts into the axial cavity and including an opening for disposition adjacent to the window. The compressor has circular cross-sections for insertion into the axial cavity and includes an external helical thread portion for engaging the internal helical thread portion of the housing. Axial pressure applies to the isolation container by turning the compressor inside the axial cavity. The isolation container provides thermal insulation from the housing and the compressor. In additional embodiments, the isolation container comprises a cup with the opening to isolate the sample pair from the housing, and a washer to isolate the sample pair from the compressor.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.